The Roanoke Rapids Police Department has started a crackdown on improper exhaust systems.

Deputy Chief Andy Jackson said today the department has received numerous complaints throughout the city “where windows actually shook” from loud pipes from trucks.

“The city has a loud noise ordinance and state law says that the exhaust system should be in proper working order,” Jackson said.

The crackdown applies to trucks, cars, motorcycles, any vehicle which produces excessive noise, he said. “We have noticed people have cut the caps off catalytic converters and have cut mufflers to run a straight pipe. With that said, we'll be issuing state citations for improper equipment or city ordinances for loud noise.”

Said Jackson: “We really don't want either. We'd rather see people fix things. All vehicles have to be inspected to pass and need to be within the guidelines of the law.”

The police department will also take notice of which inspection station passed an improper vehicle. “This information could be forwarded to the state motor vehicle inspector for further action.”

The law states no person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a muffler, or other exhaust system of the type installed at the time of manufacture, in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, annoying smoke and smoke screens.

It is also unlawful to use a muffler cut-out on any motor vehicle upon a highway and no motor vehicle registered in the state after model year 1967 shall be operated unless it is equipped with emissions control devices that were installed on the vehicle at the time the vehicle was manufactured and these devices are properly connected.

The requirements do not apply if the emissions control devices have been removed for the purpose of converting the motor vehicle to operate on natural or liquefied petroleum gas or other modifications have been made in order to reduce air pollution and these modifications are approved by the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources.